There is a sense of the individual being responsibe for their own safety. Small one-way mountain roads with no guard rails, hiking paths on coastal cliffs and steep narrow stairs, are examples that come to mind. In the U.S. there would be law suits if the government didn’t Install safety features. French seem more self reliant. They aren’t prone to smile at a stranger and tend to give a longer stare. Say “Bonjour”, and all will be well.